Local Democracy Agencies

The LDAs: a unique and successful experiment of democratic support, with full engagement of local governments and civil society organisations from Europe and the neighbouring countries

ALDA coordinates and supports the network of 17 Local Democracy Agencies (LDAs) in their activities. Initiated by the Council of Europe in the early ‘90s, the LDAs represent a unique and successful experiment of democratic support, with full engagement of local governments and civil society organisations from Europe and the neighbouring countries.

The LDAs are locally-based organisations, funded and supported by both local partners and international associates with a long-term joint programme providing financial and political support to fulfil their mandate and to accompany local democracy and civil society empowerment. Indeed, partnership-building is a crucial aspect for each LDA, as their work is based on the innovative method of multilateral decentralised cooperation. The LDAs are also operational in the field of city diplomacy.

With the accession of Croatia to the European Union in July 2013, the three former Local Democracy Agencies in the country became Operational Partners (OPs) of ALDA.

THE LOCAL DEMOCRACY AGENCIES

On a yearly basis, the LDAs receive from ALDA's Governing Board, the label of the LDA after assessment of their report of activities, actions plans, partnership support and sustainability.
The LDAs are located in the Western Balkans and in the East and South Neighbourhood of Europe. The Strategy of ALDA 2021-2024* wants to open the geographic scope of the Agencies with a potential scouting in other parts of the world in need of support to decentralisation and citizens engagement.

For any interest in the Local Democracy Agencies programme and inquiries about new LDAs' opportunities, please contact alda@alda-europe.eu

SEARCH FOR LDA's TYPE

African continent - Global South
Eastern Partnership & Central Asia
European Union
Middle East & Africa
Other parts of the World
Western Balkans

LDA Odesa

LDA Edremit

LDA Albania (suspended)

OP Osijek

OP Sisak

OP Verteneglio/Brtonigla

LDA Tunisia

LDA Northern Morocco (SUSPENDED)

LDA Mostar

LDA Central and Southern Serbia

LDA Kosovo

LDA Georgia